Game apparatus



Aug. 19, 1930. F. E. HUGGINS GAME APPARATUS 7 sheets-sheet Filed Deo. 15, 1928 Aug. 19, 1930. F. E. HUGGINS GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. l5, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 wak A Y @MWVMMAWWH M@M@\\ Aug? 19, 1930- F. E. HUGGlNs 1,773,227

GAME APPARATUS Filed Deo. 15, -1928 7 SheetfS-Shee'l, 5

All@ 19', A1930. F. E. HuGGlNs 1,773,227

GAME APPARATUS Filed Deo. 15, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 l /e4 59 a Z Wim? l fram/E /fm All@ 19, 1930- E. E. HUGGINS 1,773,227

GAME APPARATUS Fild Dec. 15, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Mid/70 All@ 19,` 1930 F. E. HuGGlNs l 1,773,227

GAME APPARATUS Filed Dec. 15.. 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 7..

Patented Aug. 19, 1930 PATENT OFFICE FRANK E. HUGGINS, OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA GAME APPARATUS Application led December 15, 1928.

My invention relates to game apparatus, and it has particular reference to game apparatus the playing of which is in simulation of the game of base-ball.

It is a purpose of my invention to provide a game apparatus adapted to be played in a manner resembling both the game of baseball and the well known game of pocket billiards; the results being determined by the skill of the player or players in the projection of an object ball over a playing field by the use of a cue and cue ball as in pocket billiards.

It is also a purpose of my invention to provide a game apparatus in simulation of base` ball where mechanism for scoring is operated automatically through the agency of a play- 1 ing ball; and also mechanism for advancing base-running player members around the bases of the playing field in accordance with the base value of hits made by the player.

I will describe only one form of Game-apparatus embodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a view showing in top plan one forni of game apparatus embodying my invention; e

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of one of the pockets in the playing iield illustrated in Fig. 2 showing in detail the surrounding ball deiiecting mechanism as well as the corresponding electrical contacts;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the apparatus as illustrated in Fig. 2' showing one of the edge pockets ofthe playing field and the belt for advancing the baserunning player members around the bases;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig.l 6 illustrating the manner in which the corresponding electrical contacts are closed by the playing ball;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view Serial No. 326,376.

illustrating the belt; one of the base-running player members, and the means for moving the member to an inactive position;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the scoring mechanism embodied in the apparatus;

Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are views showing the scoring mechanism in side elevation and illustrating the various positions which it occupies during one cycle of operation;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the control mechanism for the basel runner advancing belt;

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line lei-14 of Fig. 13; Y

Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 15-15 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of the control mechanism shown in Fig. 13 and illustrating one of the devices thereof in active position;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary plan view showing one of the control devices in active position and illustrating the manner'in which it is operated by advance movement of the belt;

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. k17 showing the control device in retracted or inactive position;

Figs. 19 and 2O are vertical sectional views taken on the lines 19-19 and'20-20; respectively; of Figs. 17 and 18; and

Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical circuits for the apparatus.

Playing yield i The apparatus in its present embodiment comprises a table including legs L and a top T, the latter comprising a frame 15 of rectangular outline and with its inner edge defining generally the contour of a base-ball playing field. The table top also includes structed in a manner similar to the cushion 'f lss of a pocket billiard table for the purpose of securing the desired rebounding movements of the playing balls. In the surface of the playin field, at intervals along the sides and one en thereof, as illustrated in Fig. 1, are a series of pockets or orifices 18 designed for the reception of the playing ball and each having semicirctavr and countersurik entrances 19 designed to facilitate the entrance of the playing ball into the pocket or orifice. At the further end-ftlie playing `field certain of the pockets are separated by a V-shaped cushion 20 which projects into `the playing field and ovides an abutment against the inclined e ges of which the playingnlm'll fis :adapted to limpzifnge in order to olnilgertlwdiraction of movement ofthe ball over the :playing :field mnd to project the ball iimthefdrecton'dffthe pockets at the sides of the piayi'ngifield. Within the surface of the pla ing field at points spaced from rthe .side engin pockets `l-i arefot'her .pockets-or yorifices uaichof fwhichis i provided with a relatively e and circular 'oountersunk Ventrance 22 which is best illuatratedin Fig. 5. ,Similarly, eachmcket 21 isfiesgned'to receive the playli am theilange enftance'22 facilitating'passage of the ball into 4the pocket. I have in the fpreset fstafnce four such `pockets 21 arranged on :the .playing field to interg'tcthe playing -iiall in its :movement toward certain of the side pockets 18, thereby increasing ythe skill meoessary to project the ball anto those pockets which are productive offhitsfor runs-inthe playing-oit the gaine. fA-a further.means for increasing the diffiin` this respect, each pocket 21, or rather the entrance 22-thereof, is surrounded by an alimlar frame 23faepa1ated for rotative movehall-bearings 24 movable in the racemlmf im annulms25. Thev surface of the board 16 is constructed to receive the frame andaannnlus anda retaining ring 26 disposed -imaaerlapped relatiarnto a lip 27 of the frame 23 to confine the fframeagainst displacement. Thisconstruction illustrated in Fig. 5 and as here shown, the uxppcr surface of the frame 23 is inclined in continuation of the inclination of the entrance surface 22 while the rin 26 lies flush withthe surface of the playing eld `in `order thatniovement of thaplaying ball .into Vthe entrance 22 may not be impeded. At intervals about the frame 23ers upstandi arms 28 in each of which sjmlrnaled a stu shaft 29 extended into and secured within a'hall 30 whereby the ball is mounted for rotation about the shaft 29 as a center. Thus, the several balls 30 are mounted for bodily `rotation by the frame 23, and each about its o'wn axis as a center. In 4time -present instance I have shown the balls 80 of such diameter as to have contact with'the surface fof the playing field 16 in order that when the `frame 23 is rotated, the several balls will be rotated individually about their own axes. Such individual rotation operates in the playing of the game to further defiect the intended projection of the playin ball over the surface of the playing field. It will also be understood that the balls tend to deflect the playing ball into the pockets 21, which operation constitutes an out in the playing of the game, as will loe-described hereinafter.

Certain of the pockets 18 are designated by 'the lnumerals 1b to 4* inclusive, to indicate that When the playing ball enters these pockets it constitutes a hit, the base value of which is desi ated the numeral. The remaining poc iets 18 are designated by the letter S, indicating a strike, and consequently it will be understood that when tlie playing ball enters any one-of these ,pockets it counts as a strike in the pla'yi-ng ofthe game. The pockets 21 are `designated by the Word (Jut, which is, of course, indicative ofthe fact that when a uball yenters any one lof these pockets it Aconstitutes an out in the playing of the game.

In simulation `of the base-ball field, fthe frame 15 lof the apparatus is provided with plates `3J., 32, 33, and 34, in representation of the four bases of a base-ball diamond. These plates are equidistantly spaced, and are designated by `indicia as illustrated in Fig. 4 to indicate the respective bases. Members in representation of base-running players are provided and movably lmounted to advance around the bases, .as Will'be described hereinafter.

Asbest illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 5, the pockets or orifices 18 and 21 are in communication with ltwo main runways arranged beneaith the boardor playingfield 16 and provided With branch runways 36 which 'conneet the main vrunways to the pockets or orifices. The construction and arrangement of these runways is such that balls deposited in the pockets will gravitate into the runways, and by reason of the inclination of the mam and'branchrunways, the balls gravitate therealong and are finally delivered to a re oeptacle 37 arranged at the forwardend oi' the table. In this manner the playing yballs are automatically returned to the player for re placement u on the playing field.

Ineach o the branch runways 36 is a pair of electrical ycontacts 38 suitably insulated fronneach other and from #the runway, and normally spaced apart. These contacts are so positioned in the respective runway that a playing ball deposited inthe corresponding pocket or orificefoperates yto close the contacts and to thereby close the circuit of which the contacts are the terminals. The contacts are such and :so positioned as not to impede movement of the playing'ball through the runway, the ball momentarily closing the lcontacts in its passage through the runway. Suffice Vto say for the present, the contacts 38 control the operation of a scoring mechanism to register the strikes and outs in accordance With and as determined by dropping of the playing balls into those pockets 13, designated by the letter S, and all oi the out pockets. The contacts 38 in the runways communicating With the pockets 13, designated by the numerals 1l to 4b inclusive, are employed to control operation ot a mechanism for advancing the base-running player members around the bases.

Scoring mechanism the housing. By means ot the lamps illustrated in Fig. 21 and designated by the same numerals as appearing in the vf'indoivs 40, the numerals designating the strikes and outs are adapted to be illuminated, it being understood that the housing may be divided interiorly so that the illumination of any one number will not produce an illumination or" any of the other numbers. These lamps are provided with separate circuits to be hereinafter traced in connection With 21, and each of these circuits includes a pair oit contacts 41 mounted on plates 42 oi' insulating material, and normally open so that the corresponding lamp is normally extinguished. These strike and out contacts are adapted to be closed to effect illumination of the corresponding lamps by the provision of tvvo control devices. These control devices are substantially identical in construction and operation and, consequently, a description of one will suilice for both.

As illustrated in Fig. 9. the tivo con fol devices are arranged side by side, the control device for the strike contacts comprising a bar 43, the opposite sides of which are formed with longitudinally extending tongues 44 adapted to slide Witnin corresponding grooves (not illustrated) on the interior ot the housing 39, this tongue and groove mounting providing a means Jfor supporting the bar for longitudinal sliding movement. The bar 43 is urged to the right, as when viewed in Fig. 9, by means of a spring 45 connected to the bar and to the housing 39. Projecting 'from the upper side of the bar 43 is a pin 46 positioned to successively engage and close the strike contacts 41 under advance movement ot the bar 43 from its urged or retracted position. The upper side of the bar is provided With a series of transversely extending teeth 47 constituting a rack which is adapted to be engaged by a paWl 43 having its upper end bent at an angle to form an armature 49 tor an electro-magnet 50. The paWl is slidable in a guide yoke 51, and by means of a spring 52 the paWl is urged out otengagement with the rack teeth 47. Energization of the magnet 50 attracts the armature 49 to move the paWl 48 downwardly against the tension ot the spring 52 to engage one ot the teeth 47, and then advance the bar 43 one step in which the pin 46 engages the iirst strike contacts 41 to close the latter and thus illuminate the corresponding lamp. Deenergization of the magnet 50 permits the spring 52 to return the paivl to its normal position so that When the magnet is again energized the pavvl will be actuated to advance the bar 43 another step. rllhus, the pin 46 passes from the first pair ot strike contacts into engagement with the second pair so to close the latter and thus illuminate the corresponding lamp. Upon a third operation ot the pawl 48 the pin 46 passes beyond the last pair of strike contacts 41 so that the control device may be described as being ineli'ective to register a third strike. However, this is as intended, tor at this stage in the operation or' the strike control device it is etl'ective to operate the out control device for the reason that upon a third strike being executed by the player an out should be registered. The out control device is, therefore, provided with a lug 53 on the bar 43 which, under the third advance movement of the bar, engages an arm 54 on one end of a shaft 55 Which extends to the out control device Where it is provided with a pavvl 56 that is adapted to engage the rack teeth ot the bar for the out control device. ln designating the parts of the out control device, l have employed the same numerals as used for corresponding parts of the strike control device but With the addition of the exponent a. 'Under advance movement of the lug 53 the arm 54 is elevated to rotate the shaft 55 and thus cause the paWl 56 to engage a tooth 47a on the bar to advance the bar one step. This causes the pin 46'L to engage and close the first pair of out contacts 41, thus illuminating the corresponding lamp to register one out. rlChe operation of theV paWl 48a is such that this i'irst advance nievement or" the bar 43a to close the first pair of out contacts may be accomplished independently of the strike control device, and in fact the out control device may be operated Wholly independently ot the strike control device ee:-

cpt Where it should be operated to register an out by reason of the accumulation or" three strikes. The rack 47 is provided with a sulicient number ot teeth to allow the pawl 56 to' effect advance movement of the bar 43a -from its normal position as Well as from the tvvo succeeding advance positions s0 that should the out registering mechanism inditlrtiout registering cate 'or register one lor 'two strikes, the strike control deviceupon being-moved to its third `strike position will eiicctoperation of 'the bai- 43* toicause 'registrationof an additional out.

im the operation of both control devices, the bar 43 `or 43l isad'vanced against the ac- 'tion'ocf rthe spring 45 or 45, and, consequently, titfisiuecessaryto :latch the bars in each of its advanced positions in order that `upon a succeeding operation o'f the .'pawl 48 or 48aL closing o'f the contacts 41 will be effected in the intended sequence. Thetwo means for latchcing the hars 43 and 43 `imadvanced position and also in what maybe termed the normal or retracted position, are identical; hence, a description off one will lsuice for both. I likewiseemploy like numerals for like parts with the numerals designating the parts of the latehing means for the bar 43 provided with the exponent a.

The latchin means for the bar 43 comprises a plura ity of teeth 57 on the under sideof the bar, any one of which is adapted Ito he engaged by a paWl 58 pivoted to swing yabontlian axis 59 to occupy one position in whichiit engages the teeth 57 to latch the bar against "retrograde movement, and another position im which it is free of the teeth so that theqering 45 is free to return the bar to nor-` mal position. These two positions of the pawl are illustrated in Figs. 10, 11', and 12, and `to temporarily maintain the pawl in either of these two positions, the pawl body is provided with two surfaces 60 and 61, either of which is engagedby a fiat spring 62. The angular relation of these surfaces 60 and 61 is `such that the sprin coacts therewith to maintain the pawl `in eit r of the two aforesaidpositions yet allowing movement of the pawl'to or `from either of such positions. To `move `tlre'pawl to the latching position shown lin 10, I provide atongue 63 on the under side ofthe bar 43. This tongue is actuated to engage and move the pawl to latching posi- .tion by retrograde movementof the bar 43 as will beclear from a consideration of Fig. 12. To move the `pawl to a non-latching position, I provide a tongue 64 on the spring end of the "bar 43 and at the lower side thereof. This ton e 64 engages a projection 65 on the `"paw'l bog; as the ar 43 is moved to its final advanced osition, thereby rotating the pawl to non-late ing position as will be clear from a consideration of Fig. 11. Thus, when the bar 43 reaches the final advanced position it is free to be retracted to normal ositon under the action of the lspring 45. s it returns to such position, however, the tongue 63 lnow o atesto engage and return the pawl 56 to atching position under a condition in `whiohfthe out control device moves into the sition when the strike control device is=in 'either the irst or second e registering position. It is necessary -to returnthe strike control device to the norinversa? mal position concurrently with 'return of 'the out control 'device in order that the scoring mechanism may be cleared Ipreceding the start of a new inni or half inning. To

take care of this condrtiom I provide on the ,o

Player advancing mechanism As shown in Fig. 1, the'frame l5 of the table is 'constructed to yaccommodate an endless belt 66 and a plurality of pulleys about which the endless belt is trained. Four of the pulleys indicated at 67 are arranged at the li'our corners of the rectangle and `constitute idler pulleys. The fifth :pulley68 constitutes Aa driving pulley and, as shown in Fig. 4, is fixed to the upper end of a vertical shaft 69 with 'the -lower Worm 71 on the shaft of an Velectric motor AM. By energizing the motor M, the pulley 68 is rotated to actuate the belt 66 for the purpose `of advancing around the bases of the playing field four base-running player members ldesignated as P1, P2, P3, and I, `and to be hereinafter reifer-red 'to as players. These players are mounted equidistantly Valong the length lof the belt 66 in order that when the belt is actuated in the playing of the game any one player will be advanced one or more bases. Each player kcomprises an L-shaped member 72 secured to the belt 66 by hinged connections 73 so as to permit *the member to occupy the upright or active position shown in solid llines in Fig. 8 or the reclined or inactive position shown in dotted lines. The member 72 is adapted to be moved from the inactive to the active position manually, and when in such position the player represented yby the member is supposed to be in running-position. In the inclined or inactive position Vof the member, the player represented thereby is assumed to be in a non-running position. For moving the member 7 2 from the active tothe inactive position, I provide an electro-magnet 74, the armature 75 of which is provided with an arm 76 normally urged by a spring '77 to the solid line position shown in Fig. 8, but adapted to be moved to the dotted line position when the armature 75 is attracted by energization of the magnet 74. Such movement of the arm 76 causes it to engage and move the member 7 2 to inactive position. By reference to Fig. 21 it will be noted that there are only three such magnets 7 4,'one for each of the three bases, the home base being without a magnet for the reason that as the player moves from third tohome base while in runnin or active position, it will be engaged by t e tapper of a bel178 (Fig. 1), and

Ill)

' further movement.

thrown to non-running or inactive position, the tapper in turn being operated by the player member to sound the bell and thus indicate to the operator that a run has been scored.

The three magnets 74 are adapted to be simulta neously and momentarily energized by electrical connection to the third pair of out contacts 41 of the out control mechanism so that when a third out is made all of the magnets will be energized to move the member 72 to inactive position. For this purpose a third contact is added to the aforesaid pair of contacts as Will be described hereinafter.

Advance movement of the players P1, P2, etc., around the bases 31, 32, etc., is controlled indirectly by the playing ball falling into those base pockets 18 designated 1", 2b, etc., and directly by the playing baliengaging and closing those pairs of contacts 38 in the runways for the base pockets. These pairs of contacts in turn control circuits for energizing four magnets 79, 80, 81, and 82, which constitute part of a control mechanism for controlling advance movement of the belt 66 in accordance with the base value of the hits scored on the playing field. The belt 66 is shown in Fig. l as provided With four pins 83, and each of which operates in a groove 84 in the table frame 15, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 6. It Will, of course, be understood that this groove 84 is not continuous, the frame being cut away at one part to accommodate certain parts of the control mechanism, and in order that such parts may have operative engagement With the pins 83. The control mechanism includes a pivoted latch 85 (Fig. 13) located Within a housing 86 (Fig. 15) and mounted on a stub axle 87 secured to the housing. A spring 88 is associated With the stub axle 87 and the hub of the latch 85 to yieldably urge the latch into the path of movement of the pins 83 so as to engage any one of the pins and thus latch the belt against The latch 85 is provided with a head 89 recessed to accommodate the pin 83 and in such manner that it will act as a positive means for engaging the pin to hold the belt against further movement. The latch is provided at its lower end With an extension 90 operable to close a pair of contacts 91 when the latch 85 is moved to a released position with respect to any one pin 83. These contacts 91 constitute the terminals of the circuit for the motor M as will be seen from a consideration of Fig. 21, and, consequently, the motor M will be energized only When the contacts 91 are closed.

The latch 85 is adapted to be moved to released position by the provision of an arm 92 pivoted at the point indicated at 93 so that one end of the arm engages the latchY 85 While its other end is operatively connected to a lever 94 through a link 95. The lever 94 is fulcrumed at the point indicated at 96, The

period of time inorder that the belt 66 may n be released and the motor M energized, all for the purpose of advancing the belt predetermined distances to advance the players around the bases, and for apredetermined number of bases. The magnets 79, 80, 81, and 82 constitute parts of the four control units, and as shown in Fig. 13, the several magnets are provided With armatures designated, respectively, 98, 981, 98h, and 98. These armatures are pivoted on a rod 99 secured Within the housing 86 with their upper ends bifurcated to receive bearing sleeves 100 and pins 101 for pivotally supporting the sleeves on the armatures. tatably receives the reduced extension 102 of a shaft 103, the shafts for the four units being distinguishable by the exponents of the numeral 103. As shown in Fig. 15, each shaft is rotatable and movable longitudinally in suitable openings of the housing 86, the projecting ends of the shafts being provided With disk-shaped heads 104, 104, etc. Coiled springs 105 are associated with the heads 104 and the housing 86 to yieldably urge the shafts 103 in a counterclockvvise direction, as when viewed in Fig. 14. The head 104 of the shaft 103 is provided with a single peripheral recess 106, While the other heads 104, 104b and 104C are provided, respectively, With two, three, and four recesses 106. These recesses are provided for the purpose of accommodating any one of the belt pins 83 and in such manner that as the pin passes across the head it Will engage the latter Within a recess and thus rotate the corresponding shaft. Of course, the belt pins 83 are normally ineffective to rotate any one of the shafts 103 because the shafts normally occupy What may be termed a retracted position, as illustrated in l Figs. 13, 15, and 18, and in Which position the heads 104 are out of the path of movement of the belt pins. The shafts are adapted to be moved to an advanced position, in Which theV heads are in the path of the belt pins through energizat-ion of the magnets 79, 80, etc. The energization of any one magnet'attracts its respective armature 98, thus moving the shaft 103 longitudinally to advance the head 104 into the path of movement of the belt pins.

As the head 104 movesto this advanced position it engages the lever 94, thus moving the latch 85 clear of the pin 83 and closing the contacts 91 to energize the motor. As long as any one shaft 103 remains in advanced po- Each sleeve roy,

Sitinlwiilfrpwtmohd: 10e functions to maintain the latch in .released ition and thawnwtef Qlfclcsed. It willY e manifest, llefiirsithat the which the belt 66 erhhtes under the action of the motor M deplmdeupon how long any one of the heads 104 in advance posltiom Consequently, in. olfdudvamitlr-belt 66 vilzrioliis distancia a eenmalig' e ons 1, 2, etc., lo a pl' ined mlmbem muses in accordanne wit the base valuoafvhitsmegistered by the .plmimgzhalh itis aeeessairytliat the sevvemi remnin-inadlmed position dif- ,os time tocorrespond; to. the M ncoimvmlentsfo thebelt 06u ceirtmlmnit comprisingthe magitserxpondingfshart 103 is de siguedetmlimz imminent ethhebeki to ad Whma'piaynmon players aesingle base, an whileithn three remaining contmleueits are de Sgmllilmontnob mow/armut ofithebelt to advan tmplkyen employerstvwo, three, and plmbl; respnctivaelje l 'lloeect such func twnggothe several control units it is neces-. www themqicctimeshmas 103', 1031,etc. at oncnlbmtmnzd tmmtmctsd position followi msionfthsreoim mfimnce position for mlipel'inds odi time; '1?0. thisV end the Mslfam notdrin ai cloekrwise direc tlniif; mntiofrthmbelt: ins 88 with His illicit ads 104,' andi fue4 ierent distuifmv determined bly"` the number of hts 1.06 mi the huida Thus, itv Will be seemmttheldegreeofsmtaon of the shafts 103 immane rom. the rst shaft 103 to the 103?. Themaral shafts are provdir ntlipinssli?, 10?",1 etc., and which, as mammaire Figi in, am diepeddiffmnt-d1shnnees f* oimumiremially of the sh'lilnd fimlilfmginn point-on the circumnmm -lilithe hstmmo thepin 10'? for thai shlftd, thetsllurfii, winarotated. by enui o thebelt in eleivates ilmilrlliinto thomllsotJlDS-:o a oke 109 mumdrwhintiief l'ienningf86A as Wnr in Eigsll-xand J By messen of the contour of thaant ithezpim 10'?? isfmoved rearwardl mmrslhtimsfmonhig `the shaft 103 longi- Y tudinlybllcktofmtnutedlpitionl Assoon has retuxmsdito .retracted position, isi iin-such ositonwthin the slot miftuibmhi pass: ly from; the slot so tiatnspngfl; ismewx 'ee .to rotate the MM tn mmnao'sitinn Anthe shaifts @E ltlmhmri nuits r Vby the belt pths to'twopthmanhmrwmtetingfixpulses, www ,y ,il :is.Iieemsanyrto provi e' some tksshatsin advanced ther! alfnotfntingimpulse oc. f, Hiss nieuwe iur the present instance, `compleannicm1-:ndenmole 110mm each shaft opawl 111215y is: pirvoted une muggen-,ns man teeth; 11o n minfa mm termin-the shaftaguinet n potphmm `inwm The pawl 111 is provided with an'L-slmped extension llwfhich isfpositioned in respect to the corresponding slot 108 so aste be engaged by the corresponding pin 107, etc., and to be lifted by the pin to move the pawl out of engagement with the rack' teeth 110 in order that the spring 1054may function to spin the shaft back to normal position. It will, of course, be understood that such movement of t-he-V pawl occurs after the ins 107, 107 b, or 107 f has retracted the shaft through its engagement with the slot 108. The pawl 111 is urged: into1 engagement with the teeth 110 bymeans of a spring 113 secured to the yoke 109.. However, the pawl 111 1s provided with o tii'm-A surfaces. 111a and 111.ib angularly arranged, and one of which is engaged by the springll when the pewl is in active position aand the other'when the' pawl is in released position'. and so as to maintain the pawl in such released position. 1t is, of course, necesem-y that the pawl 111 be returned into en gagement with the teeth 110 after the shaft has returned to normaal position in order that the'shaftlmay be held in its dierent circumerentiat positions when operetedfeI second time. rllliis is accomplished by the provision off a lug; 1114 on the. periphery of the shaft 103, 103J1 or 103", which islso positioned that as the shat rotates back toE normat position it engages the upper sideo the pawl and moves thel latery down into engagement with this teeth. 110. This.- operotion Willbe clear fmnn aconsidernti'on of, Figs 19 and 20;,and, as hereshown, the underside ofthe yoke. 109 is recessed as indicated at 115. to accommodate the lug- 114.510. thaat the lug will not interere with longitudinal movement of the shaft as will be understood;

Operation In describing the operation of the game appzmatuelwill refer to Eig. 1 and the electrica'l circuit diagram illustrated in F ig. 21 inl the belief' that the construction and operation offthe main parts ofthevappuratus is y understoodF from the preceding;- description.

In Fig. 1, the playing field 10' is shown provided with a positioning line 116 for desigmating the starting position of the object ball 11T and which ball; constitutes one of the playing balls. Theot-her playingball indicated at118 is what may be termed a cue ball, as distinguished` from the object ball 11T in that the former is designed to be projected over the playing fieldl by the use of the cue, such as that employed in the layingl of pocket billiards. The cue ball 118 should'lie positioned' on the playing field adjacent-the homeplate 31, as is illustrated in Fig; 1t With theV t'wo playing4 bells positi'oncd' as described,` and the scoring and player) advancing: mechanism in normal and non-registering positions the eine is now may fer play. t

The object of the game is, of course, to project the cue ball 118 against the object ball 117 so as to project the latter' into the hit pockets 1b, 2b, etc., the success o1 the operator in this respect depending upon the skill with which he avoids the object ball being projected into the strike and out pockets. Should the operator project the object ball into one of' the hit poc rets say, for example, one of the one base hit pockets, the corresponding pair of contacts 38 will be closed by the object ball thus momentarily energizing the magnet 79 and through the following circuit: F rom positive side or battery B through wires 119 and 120, winding of magnet 79, main wire 121, branch wire 122 to one of the contacts 38, and Jrom the latter through the other contact, then through branch wire 123, and main wires 124 and 25 back to the negative side of the battery. The resultant energization of the magnet 7 9 actuates the corresponding control unit to move the shatt 103 to advance position to actuate the latch 85 and the contacts 91 to release the belt G6 and energize the motor M so that the belt is now set into operation. ln the manner previously described, the tirst control unit functions to permit the belt 66 to move for a distance corresponding to the distance Jrom the home plate 31 to lirst base 32, and where the player P1 or l has been manually moved to active position, the belt in its movement will advance this player from home plate to irst base. Concurrent-ly with this operation, the motor M drifts until the belt G3 has been moved to cause the next pin 83 in the rear to abut the latch head 89 when. further movement ot the belt is checked so that the corresponding player is held at irst base.

From a consideration of 21, it will be clear that closure ot any of the pairs oi contacts 38 of the one base hit pockets will operate the player advancing n echanism in the manner just described by reason oi the fact that l have provided each pair of'contacts 38 with branch wires 122 and 123 that are connected respectivelyto the main wires 121 and 124. Thus, each time a one base hit is scored the players will be advanced one base about the playing field.

Should the object ball 117 be deposited in any one oig the two base hit pockets the corresponding pair of contacts 38 will be closed to energize the magnet 80 through the Jrollowing circuit: From wire 121to wire 126, winding of ma`A 8G, main wire 127, branch wire 123, contacts 38, and branch wire 129 to main wire 124 trom whence the circuit may be traced through main wire 125 back to battery. Energization'ot magnet 8O operates the second control'unit to cause operation of the belt 36 to advance the player or players two bases instead of one. At will be understood that when a second player is put into action the operator lifts the player member to active position, thus the operator can at all times observe just what players are in action, as it will be appreciated that all the players are subject to advancement when the belt G6 is moved. From a consideration of l*l ig. 21, it should be clear that the circuits or any one of the other pairs oit contacts 38 for the two base hit pockets is the same as that described in connection with the First two base hit p oclretsas all of these contacts are provided with branch wires 128 and 129 connected, respectively, to the main wires 127 and 124. Thus, when the contacts are closed for any one oi the two base hit pockets, the magnet 80 will be energized to operate its respective control to advance the players two bases. When the object ball is deposited in any one of the three base hit pockets, the magnet 81 is energized to operate its respective control unit for advancing the players three bases. The circuit for the magnet 81 may be traced as follows: F rom wire 126 to main wire 130, branch wire 131, contacts 38, branch wire 132, main wire 124, back to battery. Similarly, the contacts 38 for all other three base hit pockets are provided with branch wires 131 and 132 which are connected respectively to the main wires 130 and 124. Thus, when any ot these contacts are closed the belt will be actuated to advance the players around three bases.

Should the object ball be deposited in any one or the tour base hit pockets the magnet 82 is energized to operate its respective con trol unit and thereby cause the belt 66 to advance the players around all the bases or, in other words, from home plate around the three bases back to home plate. The'circuit for the magnet 82 may be traced as follows: F rom wire 126 through winding of magnet 82, main wire 133, branch wire 134, contacts 38, branch wire r135, and main wire 124 back to battery. The other pair of contacts 38 for the remaining four base hit pockets are likewise provided with vbranch wires 134 and 135 which are connected, respectively, to main wires 133 and 124 so that when these contacts are closed the magnet 82 will be energized to vlikewise operate the respectivev control unit to advance the players four bases.

Vhere the object ball is deposited in any one of the out pockets 21, the respective pair of contacts 38 will be closed by the ball to energize the magnet a to operate the pawl 48a and thus advance the bar 43a one step to. cause closing of the first pair of out contacts 41. The circuit for the magnet- 50a may be traced as follows: From positive side of battery B through wires 119 and 136, Winding magnet 50, wires 137 and 138, contacts 38 and wire 139 to main wire 124, and back to battery through wire 125. By extending the `wire 137 to the contacts 38 for the other three out pocket-s, and then connecting the contacts to the-mami wire 12.*` in the manner illustrated in Fig. 21, it should be manifest that with of any pair of contacts 38, the out magnet will' be energized to actuate the fr," pawiz 4&8". Initiaizly, energization of the magnet by closing any one pair of contacts iin-the out pockets advances the ball 43a one stapte. close the a-st out pair of contacts 41. Such closure ofthe contacts 41 illuminates u the first out lamp to register one out. The

circuit for this lamp may hel traced as follaws: From wine 136. through the aforesaid lamp, wire 140, contactst41, wires 141 and 125 baektcbattery. Toy register the second and 1. third mats. it is, of course, necessary to reenergiafthe magnet 50P- to advance the bar 43a the: namaining two steps whereby the other twoiout lam are, successively illuminated. It is believe that the circuit for these two L l s will be obvious from a consideration of* s" j. 212. Upon closing of the third pair si (mtI contacts 41 one of thecontacts engages atlixrd contact 142 `illustrated in Figs. 9 and 212. contact 142 controls the circuits g or time magnets 74, and. when such magnets me one izedthe member 72 will be thrown tom rechned posilion on the belt 66 to cause the players represented thereby to occupy noin-m1nnin or inactiveposition. By tracing n the circuit orfoneothe magnets 74 it will be char that upon cliesure of the contact 142 all the ma ets are simultaneously energized tumore thalpdayers toinactive position. circuit for one magnet 74 is as follows: Fmmeontmtillt wires 143 and: 144, Hindi odmagnet 7,4wire 1415, to main wire 1:24:11 f back tol battery through wire 125. Etam the preceding operation it will be clear when themut `nmcltanisra registers the tlrizd'out, any player occupying active positiene willi be` aubcnmticalzly moved to inactive 'tinmthus clearingrthebases of the playaglfield and'fcouditioning the apparatus for the beginning ed a new inning orhalf innhm magnet 50 for actuating the strike willing mechanism is electrically connected hadnt theifpains ofcentacts 38 of the strike pecketsso that when any one pair of conbets: is closed byithei playing ball, the magnet be energized to antuate the pawl 48 and thusadvame 4the bar 43. Initially, closure of any one pair of contacts 38 causes the :'rtoeadvancethe bar 43 one step. As a result,i the first pair ofstrike contacts 41 is chiedi, thus aupplvin current to the first srilnellamp frnthe battery Bl and thereby illuminating the latter te register one strike. 'haci'muit for the magnet 50 maybe traced uMIOWBtFTOm wire-i186 to wire 146, wind- `ing`-magnet main wire147,' branch wire Mgicpntacts' 38 of: any one strike pocket, bunch 1549i main return wire 124. This circuiti :far the het strike indicating I* bhp-iai fwn wire 1361 thfwugh wire 150 t0 the` respective pair of contacts 41, and from the latter through Wire 151 to wire 125.

Upon closure of a second pair of contacts 38 for any one of the strike pockets, the magnet 50 is again energized to. cause closing of the second pair of strike contacts 41, and through such closure illuminating the second strike lamp to register the second strike. The circuit for the second lamp is from wire 136 to wire 152, contacts 41, and Wire 153 to wire 151. With closure of a third pair of 'contacts 38, the magnet 50 is again energized to further advance the bar 43 and thus operate the pawl 56 to cause the out scoring mechanism to register an out, as has been previously described. Movement of the bar 43 to this final position effects automatic release of the pawl 58 so that the bar is returned to normal position underk the action of the spring 45. Similarly, the bar 43, upon movement to a position in which the pin 46*l is beyond the third pair of contacts 41, effects automatic release of the pawl 58a so that the bar 43 is returned to normal position by the corresponding spring. Thus, the two mechanisms are automatically returned to normal positions following the sequence of operation previously described.

Although I have herein shown and described a game apparatus involving the employment of mechanism for actuating the belt 66 to advance the players around the bases in accordance with the base value of hits scored, it is to be understood that my invention contemplates the provision of less expensive form of game apparatus in which the aforesaid mechanism may be dispensed with and the belt moved manually to advance the players.

I claim:

1. In a game apparatus, a playing field having bases thereon and ball-receiving orifices therein adjacent the edges of the playing field and other orifices spaced from the first and remote from the edges of the playing field, ball-deflecting objects positioned about the other orifices, runways in communication with all of said orifices, base-running player members, mechanism for advancing said members around the bases of the playing field, score registering means, and means disposed in, said runways and operable by a ball deposited therein through said orifices for controlling actuation of said mechanism an dl registering means.

2. In a game apparatus, a playing field having ball-receiving orifices, ball-deflecting objects movable on the field about certain of said orices, score registering means, and control devices `positioned with respect to said orifices so as to be operable by balls deposited therein for controlling actuation of said registering means.

3. In a game apparatus, a playing field having bases, a ball cushion surrounding the field, orifices within the playing field adjacent the ball cushion, base-running player members movable in paths exteriorly of the ball cushion, mechanism 'for advancing said members around the bases, score registering means, and control devices positioned with respect to said orifices to be actuated by balls deposited in the orifices to control operation of said mechanism and registering means.

4:. In a baseball game apparatus as embodied in claim 2 wherein other orifices are provided within the playing field, and balldeflecting objects are mounted for movement about said'orifices, said other orifices having devices for controlling actuation of the out registering part of said registering means.

5. In a game apparatus, a playing field having ball-receiving oriiices therein and conical entrances for the orices, rotatable :frames on the playing field, one for each of said entrances and rotatable about the corresponding orifice, and ball-deflecting objects carried by said frame.

6. In a game apparatus, a playing field having ball-receiving orifices therein and conical entrances for the orifices, rotatable frames on the playing field, one for each of said entrances rotatable about Vthe corresponding orifice, and balls carried by said frame and rotatable about their own axes.

7. In a baseball gaine apparatus, a playing field having bases and ball-receiving orifices therein, base-running player members, mechanism for advancing said members around the bases, said members being pivoted on said mechanism to occupy two eXtreme positions, score registering means, control devices positioned with respect to the orifices to be actuated by balls deposited in the orifices to control operation of said mechanism and registering means, and means for in oving said members to one extreme position, said means being connected to the registering means so as to be' operable when the registering means registers three outs 8.' In a baseball gaine apparatus, a playing iield having bases, base-runningplayer members, mechanism for advancing the players around the bases comprising an endless belt upon which said members are mounted, a motor for driving the belt, means for controlling movement of the belt by said motor comprising projections on the belt, a latch engageable with any one of the projections for controlling movement of the belt, a switch for controlling the motor connected to said latch to be operable thereby in a manner to close the switch when the latchfis out of engagement with a projection, and an electro-magnetic means for operating the latch to disengage the projection and close said switch.

9. In a baseball game apparatus, a playing field having bases, playing balls, means for proj ecting the balls over the playing field, an endless belt having thereon members representing base-running players, a motor for operating the belt-to cause said members to advance around the bases, and means controlling operation of the motor comprising projections on the belt, a latch urged to a position in which it is disposed in the path of movementofthe projections so as to coact therewith in securing the belt against movement, a switch for the motor operable by the latch, a plurality of' elements operable to move the latch out of the path ot movement of the projections and to simultaneously close said switch for progressively increasing periods of time to move the base-running player members diiier'ent distances around the bases, and means operable by the playingl balls for actuating respective elements in response to hits7 of different base values whereby said4 members are advanced a number of bases corresponding to the base value of each hit.7

l0. In a baseball gaine apparatusas embodied in claim 9 wherein the said members are movable on the belt to occupy either of two extreme positions, score registering means operable by the playing balls, and means for moving said members to one eX- treme position when the registering means registers the end of' a half inning or inning. v l ll. In a baseball game apparatus, a playing ield having bases, playing balls, means vfor projecting the balls over the playing field, and endiess belt vhaving thereon members representing base-running players, a motor for operating the belt to cause said members to advance around the bases, means controlling operation of the motor comprising projections on the belt, a latch disposed in the path of movement of the projections and adapted to engage any one of the projections to limit movement of the belt, a switch for the motor normally open but adapted to be closed when the latch is moved out of the path of movement of the projections,`a plurality of rotary elements having notched heads, said elements normally occupying a position in whichv the heads are disposed out of the path of movement of the projections, electro-inagnets for moving the elements so that their heads will be disposed in the path ofmovement of the projections, the notches of said heads progressively increasing in number, respectively, to provide a corresponding number of teeth engageable by the projections for Arotating the elements, means forr rcpresentationv of base-running players, said Alill lt, frsbei mounted on the belt tobup lowered positions,

pla Valle adtptedto `he projected over Cli fyihglfield, and means operable by the balls for simultaneously movin-g all er r an imma position.

"j: Ina bascblig'nme apparati/1s, a playa tyingj li apted to be proeri-over t 'fiel.d,' electrical switches norlfiailjvo'cn bnt adapted to be closed by the all, andfstl registering 'mechalsingarack bar, a projection on the n r, switches in the path of nievetilepare'lcetsc as to he successively i" by* i" ve'ctivon under advance piomeiitfef therac bar", `means for erging bar 'tb a retracted position, means foradv'ancinglx'c rack bar in a step-by-step movement to cause the projection to successivgly close lsaidswths, said means being operable by closihgof an one of the first switches, and means for etching therack j @n rany one of itsadvanced positions and 35 i nachbar tepermit it te rea' '.i L l aibaseba lf aippatns, ge playa 'pm a to pro- Iover the nud, eleetrigswitehes norbnt adapted to be closed by the playing allylmd strike registering mechanism comprising signals, contacts for controlling the signals, a rack bar, a projection en the rack har for closing the contacts, and

Y 45 means controllabile by 'an one of said switches for advancing the raekr from a retracted position ahd'fin a-step-by-step movement to cause said projection tosuccessive'ly close said i 15. In a game apparatus, a playing field, a `playing ball adapted te be projected over field, electrical switches normally open Yhut adapted to beclosed by the playing ball, -a mick bar, means for. urging the rack bar to a retracted position, means' for latching the taskbar in anyone of the advanced positions,

for releasing the rack bar followingfa proscribed number of advance movements to permit it to return to retracted positicmfiuauler the action of said urging means.

716. In a baseball game apparatus, a playing field, a playing hall adapted to be proover the field, electrical switches norfg ppm bm M :i tobe closed by the masser playing ball, and an out registering mechanism comprising three signals, contacts for each of the signals normally open, a bar, a projection on the bar for closing said contacts, electro-magnetically operated means for moving said bar in a step-by-step movement to cause said projection to successively close said contacts, and means for latching the bar in each of its advanced positions.

17. In a game apparatus, a playing field, a playing ball adapted to be projected over the field, electrical switches normally open but adapted to be closed by the playing ball, and score registering means comprising a plurality of signals, contacts for actuating the signals, a bar, a projection on the biar for closing said contacts, means for urging thebar to a retracted position, means for advancing the barin a step -by-step movement'corresponding to the spacing of said contacts to cause said projection to successively close said contacts and thus successively operate said signals, means for latching the bar in each of its advanced posit-ions, means for releasing the latch means following closing of all of said contacts to permit the bar to be restored to retracted position by said urging means, and means operable by the bar for restoring the latching `means to latching position as the bar returns to retracted position. v

18. kIn a game apparatus as embodied in claim l17 wherein the means for advancing the bar comprises a pawl and an electro-magnet for actuating the pawlf, said magnet being connected to all of said switches so as to be energized with closing of any one of the switches.

19,. In a baseball me apparatus, a playing field, a playing all adapted to be projected over the field, electrical switches normally open. but adapted to be closed by the playing ball, a strike registering mechanism land an out registering mechanism, said registering mechanism each comprising 4a plurality of signals, contacts for the signa s normally open, a bar urged to a retracted position, a projection on the bar for closing the contacts to actuate thesignels, means for advancing the bar in a step-.by-step movement to cause the projection to successively close the contacts, means for latching the bar in any one of the advanced positions to maintain the corresponding contact closed, the means for advancing the bar for the strike registerin mechanism being operable by closing o certain of ysaid switches and the means for advancing the bar of the out registering mechanism being operable by closing of the remaining switches, means for actuating the latching means to release the bars so that they may be returned to retracted positions, and means operable 'by advance movement of the strike bar for advancin `the ont bar whereby when the strike registering mechanism moves to a third FRANK E. HUGGINS. 

